News
Brad Bell chats on B&B's new opening, a Spencer preview & reality-soap hybrid!
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
Earlier this week, On-Air On-Soaps caught up with the executive producer and head writer of The Bold and the Beautiful during the series 6000th episode milestone celebration. Bell, who along with his creative team have won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series for two years running, look to be one of the odds-on favorites for a nomination going into this year’s competition with their new storytelling process of blurring the lines of reality drama, as they have successfully done with the homeless story and the lung cancer storyline.
Bell gave us his thoughts on the changes made to the new and exciting opening title sequence – fashion runway theme- debuting to audiences on February 21st, where his story focus is going to be as we move out of winter and into the beginning of Spring, and his success with socially relevant topics in the new B&B way of storytelling on soaps. Here’s our “quickie” chat with Brad!
So what did you think of the new opening? Is everything you had set out for it to be? And, how did the whole concept come about?
BRAD: I love it and we are going to be tweaking it before we air it. It is high-def and computer generated. We were working with CBS Digital and saw their Dancing with the Stars opening, and I got sick of looking at the current one, which I like, but it has been six and half years! And with this renewal from CBS, we really wanted to celebrate and say, “We are not on our way out. We are reinventing ourselves.” We take the audience’s time as very valuable and very seriously. So instead of looking at the same thing everyday that is mind-numbing, we thought, why not make it a little more interesting!
Are we going to continue to see B&B blur the lines of reality and daytime drama…as you have done with the homeless storyline and now with the lung cancer story? Will a new social issue be presented on the series every quarter of the year?
BRAD: I would not say we would do a social issue every quarter, but it is something we are going to continue doing, which is this style of keeping our characters in character and bringing in real people. It’s like a hybrid of reality and real daytime drama. That is our technique, and we are going to continue it subtly. We understand our primary purpose is to entertain, but if we can sneak in a little information and education on important topics that seem to fit organically within the show, we are going to do it.
Photo Credit: JPI Studios
The 6000th episode that aired this week… are you very, very proud of it?
BRAD: I am very proud of it, and this is why we made it the 6000th episode. We knew it being the 6000th episode would bring a spotlight to it. It is saying we are a different production company and an evolving production company, and we are proud of it and proud of who we are. It’s very exciting!
What can fans of B&B look forward to as we move into spring?
BRAD: I am very excited about the Spencer family right now. I think Amber with her n’er-do-well mother, Tawny, are bringing that life and energy and humor and plot that comes with these characters. I am excited about seeing her interact with Liam. I think they are going to be a dynamic duo as the plot unravels. Also, we have Jacqui MacInnes Wood back and she is going to have her eyes on Bill Spencer. So Heather Tom’s “Katie” is going to have a rival! I feel very confident handing Heather the ball, because she delivers. It’s cool, because the Spencer family is now part of the fabric of the show. Don Diamont has done such a great job and they will all be something to watch in the coming months.
Will you continue to tell Stephanie’s lung cancer story?
BRAD: We have to continue to tell the lung cancer story with Stephanie, because Kathryn Joosten calls me and pesters me all the time! (Laughs) She is an amazing advocate for awareness for lung cancer. We are committed to Stephanie’s cancer, and doing as honest and a real a portrayal as we can.
For more coverage and interviews from B&B’s 6000th episode celebration, check out On-Air On-Soaps setside report and photo gallery here. And, interviews with Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) here, and Jack Wagner (Nick) here.
General Hospital
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
It was just over 13 years ago on General Hospital when Ava Jerome (Maura West) shot and killed Kate Howard/Connie Falconeri (Kelly Sullivan) in an effort to keep her quiet from revealing that Derek Wells was actually Ava’s back-from-the-dead brother, Julian Jerome (William deVry). It’s a crime that somehow Ava never has quite paid for either.
The episode back aired on August 13, 2013 and viewers had to say goodbye to Kelly Sullivan who played Kate and her alter, Connie. In the story, just before she died, Kate/Connie scrawled the letters AJ in her own blood, initially making the PCPD and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) think that it was AJ Quatermaine (Sean Kanan) who did the deed.
Now, Sullivan recalled sharing scenes with the three-time Daytime Emmy-winning West, during a live conversation on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel. Kelly was the special guest talking about her recent return to the soaps in her new role as The Bold and the Beautiful’s Darcy Dylan.
Photo: JPI
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF MAURA WEST
Speaking of her final GH scenes and working with Maura West, Sullivan gave her then GH co-star major props. “If you’re going to be shot by somebody (on the soaps), you want to be shot by Maura West, c’mon!”
Maura West debuted back in May 2013 as Ava, and Sullivan remembered when the As the World Turns favorite began on GH. “I remember when Maura West first arrived at GH. She walked in with this cute little bob (hairdo) and she’s just delicious,” shared Sullivan.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Kelly revealed more about Maura, adding “I think she’s amazing! I remember right before I left the show, someone suggested, and I would still love to do this with her, if she ever want to, but someone suggested that they wanted to direct the stage play A Streetcar Named Desire with Maura and I, where I would play Stella and she would play Blanche! Wouldn’t that be great?”
Speaking of the Ava/Connie showdown scenes, Sullivan expressed, “On television and on General Hospital specifically, Maura West is able to play a character who does the most horrendous things and you still care about her and that’s the mark of a really great actor. In other words, you’re able to be liked in the midst of the most horrendous things, and as a performer not shying away from that, and to just have the courage to do what’s on the page (in the script).”
Photo: JPI
KELLY SULLIVAN PARTING THOUGHTS AS SHE LEFT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Kelly also shared her sentiments when she walked off the set of General Hospital after her run back in August of 2013. “I really was honored. Every day I would go to work and I would say a little prayer, which is I want to do justice for my character, explained Kelly. “It’s between me and my character. I get to walk this path with her and to leave the show on that note, which is, I left every out there. I just gave it my all and again what an honor it was to play Kate/Connie.”
You can catch the full conversation with Kelly where she talks about her time on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless where she played Sage Warner and now The Bold and the Beautiful below.
So, do you remember the Ava and Connie scenes where Ava shot and killed her? What did you think of Kelly Sullivan’s sentiments about Maura West? Share your thoughts via the comment section. But first, watch the reveal where Ava recalls murdering Connie below!
The question of will Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) stay awhile at General Hospital after his recent extended hiatus from the show earlier this year, has reportedly been answered.
TMZ via court documents obtained in Burton’s ongoing legal battle with his ex-wife Sheree Gustin, shared that Steve actually inked a new three year deal with the ABC soap opera back in June.
That is significant because it was June when Burton returned back to work as Jason. In addition, the court filing confirmed that Burton had already moved back to California from Tennessee.
Photo: ABC
STEVE’S HIATUS AND HIS RETURN TO PORT CHARLES
GH fans will recall, it was back in February of 2026, that Burton announced via his Instagram that he was stepping away from his role of Jason Morgan for short break and pointed to wanting to spend quality time with his new wife, Michelle Lundstrom Burton with whom he tied the knot back on May 17, 2025.
Steve expressed at that time, “I’m newly married and looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.” It was back on March 25 that viewers saw Jason carted away by the WSB after taking the fall for Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) who shot then WSB Director Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes).
Burton returned to work on June 1, and due to General Hospital taping roughly six weeks ahead of air, made his on-screen comeback on the July 13 episode.
GOING FOR GOLD AT THE UPCOMING DAYTIME EMMYS
Then, Steve and his enduring fans got an extra special treat on the same day, when it was revealed on Extra that he was nominated for the upcoming 53rd annual Daytime Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Daytime Drama Series category.
Steve previously won in the Supporting Actor category for his work as General Hospital’s Jason in 1998 and as The Young and the Restless’ Dylan McAvoy in 2018.
Now with Jason and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) relationship seemingly hitting the skids, plus Jason’s commitment to staying out of mob life to focus on being present for his son Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn), what does the future hold for the fan favorite character? Stay tuned.
So, happy to hear that Steve Burton signed a new three year deal with General Hospital? Knowing that, what storyline would you like to see Jason get involved and with who? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
The Young and the Restless enduring favorite and two-time Daytime Emmy-winning actress, Jess Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) is set to release her memoir!
Kensington Publishing has revealed on their website that Walton’s book The Young and the Rest of Us is now available for pre-order while listing an April 27, 2027 release date. In addition, in June of 2027, Walton will mark her 40th anniversary with The Young and the Restless and her debut as Jill.
The official log lines for the memoir share, “Emmy Award-winning actress Jess Walton, known to millions as the iconic Jill Abbott on the #1 soap opera The Young and the Restless, shares her extraordinary journey to stardom, sobriety, true love, and self-discovery in this startingly candid, intimate, and star-studded memoir.”
Photo; Kensington Books
CAKE FIGHTS AND CORPORATE INTRIGUE
The book description for The Young and the Rest of Us adds, “In June 1987, Jess Walton walked through the artists’ entrance at CBS for her first day on The Young and the Restless,where she had just been hired to play the recast role of Jill Abbott. Two Emmy awards, four decades, and countless onscreen affairs, marriages, corporate takeovers, and cake fights later, she’s a beloved icon with an astonishing tale to tell.”
“In her refreshingly candid style, Jess shares her journey as a young actress from Toronto theaters to Los Angeles, where she found herself at the center of a Laurel Canyon circle that included the likes of Neil Young, David Geffen, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell. Landing a Universal contract and a steady stream of guest starring roles, Jess embraced everything 1970s L.A. had to offer—including Hollywood parties fueled by limitless booze and drugs, and trysts with stars. She recounts with candor and gratitude the surprising path that eventually led her to sobriety, true love—and ultimately, to fictional Genoa City, Wisconsin, and the role of a lifetime.”
“Brimming with behind-the-scenes drama and celebrity cameos to delight fans, The Young and the Rest of Us is also rich in personal, relatable truths about marriage, motherhood, empty-nesting, self-discovery, and finding the courage to start over—as often as it takes. In a voice as fearless and frank as Jill’s, but with, humor and grace all her own, Jess Walton looks back on a life as unpredictable, and adventure filled as anything she has portrayed on screen.”
WHO ELSE PLAYED JILL FOSER ABBOTT?
Fans of The Young and the Restless know that Walton became the fourth actress to take on the role of Katherine Chancellor’s original nemesis Jill Foster back in 1987. The OG Jill was played by Brenda Dickson, also Deborah Adair, Bond Gideon and Melinda O. Fee played the part.
This year, Days of our Lives star Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) filled-in for several episodes for Walton who was unavailable to travel from her home in Oregon to Los Angeles where Y&R was taped. Walton is still with the long-running soap opera as Jill.
So, excited to learn of Jess Walton’s upcoming memoir, ‘The Young and the Rest of Us?’ Will it be it a must-read for you? Drop a comment below.
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
Steve Burton Reportedly Signs Three-Year Contract with ‘General Hospital’
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Jason and Britt Reach an Impasse; Is This the End of Their Relationship?
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
‘General Hospital’ Icon Genie Francis to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the 53rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards
Vivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
Jess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
‘General Hospital’s’ Braedyn Bruner Reveals Her Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and How Emma is Getting Her ‘Edge’ Back
Kelly Sullivan Gives High Praise to ‘General Hospital’s’ Maura West Recalling When Ava Shot Connie (Exclusive)
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Steffy Tells Carter She’s Pregnant, But He Has a Way ‘Out of This Situation For All of Us’
‘Beyond the Gates’ vs. ‘The Young and the Restless’ in a Soap Opera Showdown on ‘Flip Side’ Season 3 Premiere
‘The Bold and the Beautiful’s’ Heather Tom Talks Daytime Emmy-Nominated Scenes and What’s Behind Katie’s Deep-Seated Issues with Dylan (Exclusive)
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?
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General Hospital1 week ago‘General Hospital’ to Rebroadcast Special Episode in Tribute to Anthony Geary
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News1 week agoVivica A. Fox Exits ‘The Young and the Restless’ For Now to Film Netflix’s ‘Women Like Us’
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News2 days agoJess Walton Memoir ‘The Young and the Rest of Us’ Set for Release in 2027
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Well,well, Brad Bell gives out some tidbits of what the show has comming up this spring. What caught my eye was Dollar Bill and Steffy. Brad had made a believer out of me that he has no respect for children/women/ or families.
This no-writer made his character of Brooke a career bed hopping Forrester slut with a couple of son in laws and plenty of baby mama drama to boot and now trying to make her into a Saint. Not before having her hike her leg up and screwing her teenage daughter’s ex-boyfriend, against the wall like a $2.00 whore.
But what has me wondering is how can you give Brooke and Ridge a son, RJ, and never use him? Brad make Brooke and Ridge a joke. He got Hopeless trying to become the next Brooke by staying glued to Bill’s rat face looking(Liam) hamster. She had a full paid scholarship for college, but she had to have Ollie Oil. Nobody is working except tryng to look down on Amber, when all of them including Hopeless are no better.
Brad Bell . too bad you don’t have what made your Father and Mother two of the best writer’s on the planet.
Wow! It sounds like you’re really hooked on the show. It’s definitely the show you love to hate. What fun would it be to watch a show where you agreed with everything?
Brad Bell, I got to be fair. You are trying some what to take the show in a more positive direction. Stephanie and Nick’s lung cases were Real eye opener for a lot of people. They both are on point with their action of how illness effect the entire family.
The homeless needed to be address but just giving Dayzee the spotlight make it look kind of pointless when there is so many other people that are still in need of help. Then to get rid of Marcus so that you can hook up Thomas and Dayzee turn me off. I am a black woman and feel that it was bad enough the way you did Marcus Father when he came to town. Donna, who kept the news from him all these years, who I have watch this show from the start and never heard of him. Letting Eric adopt Marcus and treating his real Father like dirt, and years later, him and Donna are so in love . That’s bull shi!.
And the Amber mess with the nasty trailer makes you look like a big hater for poor people.
I disagree with you about Dayzee and Marcus. What you don’t realize is that Bell is doing Dayzee’s portrayer, Kristolyn Lloyd, a huge complement. He’s positioning her into a classic love triangle with Thomas and Marcus. Bell is trying to integrate Dayzee into the fabric of the show by having her involved with two Forrester men. Triangles are what make soap characters interesting.
As for Marcus, the actor who portrays him, Texas Battle, like the actress who portrays Steffy, has side projects outside B&B, like feature films and takes breaks from the show. Bell incorporates these breaks into the show.
As an African-American woman, I get what the previous poster is saying. It’s great to see relationships irregardless of color, but that is not the real world. We also want to see an honest depiction of Black on Black love, which is rare in Daytime. And the scenes beween Thomas & Dayzee looked forced. There is no chemistry between the two. Now Amber & Marcus; there is definitely chemistry between those two! If Bell & the other writers really want to show scandal & punch to this storyline, let the baby turn out to be Marcus’ & then reveal a shocking twist – that Marcus & Amber planned this scam all along, & that Marcus is NOT Justin & Donna’s biological child. Was there ever a DNA test done to prove it? Perhaps Owen knew about it? Remember, Owen & Marcus entered the show together. Perhaps they were grifters scamming both the Forresters & Marones all along! What a hell of a twist THAT would be!
So Steffy is back and has not grown up yet. Steffy is written to be such trash. If Steffy is supposed to be exciting and daring, she is coming across as trashy, immature and nutty. Why not give her a man closer to her level of immaturity? Steffy is fits in the teen line with Liam, Hope and Oliver.
Why call Steffy trashy when every since Brooke hooked up with Ridge that’s all the show has been about, Brooke do the entire Forrester family and the Logan girls sex romps.
Brooke was a grown woman when she hiked her leg up to screw during her daughter’s Graduation. If you want to call someone trashy, be sure to include Donna/Katye/Dollar Bill/Ridge/Owen/Nick/ and the rest of the crew who think it’s all right to have sex on the job. I would like to see some good Fashion Shows.
You guys sound kinda crazy…LOL